The Idea of doing a Requiem first came to me when I heard
Morton Lauridsens' emotional and profound work, LUX AETERNA. On hearing it,
I thought that it was time I too tackle the subject of Death and the human
experience in some form or another. I remembered the beautiful Requiem by
Gabriel Faure and how beauty and hope seems to emanate from within the soul
of this great work. His In Paradisum was my inspiration to end my requiem
with the same text. Once I set upon the task of composing a requiem, Latin
was the natural language for me as it seems to fit so well this solemn
musical occasion. Many composers have used various texts in their Requiems.
Some more traditional and set for a Mass setting; others for the concert
hall. I wanted to compose a work that could be performed in either
situation, preferably a Mass setting. Also, seeing how modern man has a
short tension span, and that Parishes may not have adequate funds, I wanted
the work to be of a shorter nature than most and easily performed with a
chamber orchestra if need be.
I had in mind that my work would not dwell on the darkness of the subject
but tend toward the joyful fulfillment of a soul on it's journey to it's
final resting place - to return from whence it came. However, sombre as the
subject is, I wanted to hint at the dark mystery of this stage of ones life.
The Opening movement starts with nothing but the subtle pounding of the
Timpani - the hearbeat of life in transition. The dramatic climax of this
work might be found in the the Agnus Dei as the pounding chorus and the
orchestra reaches a Fortissimo complete with crashing Tam Tam. In the final
Movement, the IN PARADISUM, , (completely re-written after the other
movements were in place) Is a fond farewell to the soul as it has weathered
the storm and now is ready to ascend to its final home.

"It was a joy to collaborate with John and work with his music as an orchestrator, assisting him to flesh out his arrangements into a chamber orchestral form. This work is clearly very personal to John, and his affection and commitment are apparent throughout. The piece is both earnest and sensitive; heavily bombastic at times while quietly soaring at others. In two words, the best way to describe John Howley's requiem is 'deeply felt' - on every emotional level."